FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE
Five element acupuncture
Five Element Acupuncture
The five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, water, describe phases of movement of energy (Qi) in cycles of change and transformation in service of maintaining balance and harmony. When there is an imbalance in one element it will affect the well-being of another element. These elements are not separate but rather are connected and interdependent. In nature, each Element corresponds to a season. In us, each element corresponds to an energy pathway known as meridian. In acupuncture each meridian is associated with an internal organ and an emotion. These pathways are responsible for maintaining homeostasis and vitality at the level of body, mind and spirit.
The meridians can be likened to rivers that run through the body. Acupuncture points along the meridians are akin to reservoirs of Qi energy that can flow into the rivers and streams when needed. Acupuncture works by affecting the quality and quantity of Qi that flows along specific meridians.
Instead of asking, “What kind of symptoms does this person have?” Five Element Acupuncture asks, ,” What kind of person has these symptoms, and why?” - JR Worsley
Five Element Acupuncture is based on the linage passed down through the late JR Worsley and the Worsley Institute. Five Element Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine and has some distinctions from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The focus is to assess and treat the root of the imbalance rather than focusing on treating the symptoms. We find what we call the Causative Factor( CF) - the element that appeared to be the first to go out of balance. We do this by honing and using our own senses to detect color, sound, odor, and emotion. Once the CF is diagnosed a treatment plan can be put in place with the use of acupuncture and 'Moxa' (Moxabustion – see below)
We employ the use of ultra-fine sterilized disposable needles. The needles are inserted close to the surface of the skin and are sometimes retained but often they are removed immediately. We look for a Qi sensation which may feel like a radiating warm sensation, a slight throb or heaviness, often one may feel a sense of calm and relaxation.
Another mode of treatment is the use of Moxa. It is an herb called Artemisia Vulgaris, also known as Mugwort. Moxa is deeply warming and regenerative to the acupuncture points and supports the flow of energy.
Are you feeling fatigued and needing support? Are you experiencing symptoms that your Doctor can not help you with?
Who Benefits from Treatment?
Anyone looking for greater balance and harmony in his or her life
Individuals recovering from a trauma or an accident and are in physical pain
People with acute or chronic conditions (see WHO indications below)
Those with emotional challenges such as anxiety, stress, worry, addictions, anger, grief and depression
Acupuncture can also treat many non-specific symptoms that do not fit any categories
Acupuncture can be used as a preventative medicine, strengthening the immune system and easing daily stress
Alleviation of symptoms without the correction of this inner disharmony may be of only temporary benefit. However, when the root cause is addressed through Five Element Acupuncture, one experiences more lasting results, an improvement in health and in the quality of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of conditions including stress, digestive disorders, depression, allergies, sleeping disorders, addictions, headaches and menstrual disorders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Acupuncture's ability to treat over 200 clinical disorders including:
Disorders of muscles, joints, and nervous system such as: arthritis, neuralgia, migraine, headache, insomnia, dizziness, sciatica and back, neck and shoulder pain
Gastrointestinal disorders such as: food allergies, peptic ulcer, constipation, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome
Urogenital disorders such as: irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, infertility and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Respiratory issues such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis
Circulatory disorders such as: hypertension, angina and arteriosclerosis
Psychological disorders such as: depression and anxiety
Addictions to alcohol, nicotine and drugs
Stress related disorders such as: overeating, nervous tension, insomnia and pain- related problems exacerbated by stress